Lightning strikes sparked a wildfire Wednesday evening five miles north of Carey.
The blaze -– called the Paddleford Fire -– was first reported about 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Resources from the Carey Rural Fire Department, along with six engines, two dozers, one water tender and three overhead from the Twin Falls District BLM and Sawtooth National Forest responded to the now estimated 3,000 acre fire.
The passing thunderstorm that started the blaze also brought gusty winds, causing erratic fire behavior. Once the thunderstorm passed, the wind-driven fire slowed and fire fighters were able to use the lava rock as a natural barrier to assist in the firefighting efforts, officials said.
The fire could be fully contained by noon Thursday, with an estimated control of Friday at 6 p.m. Crews were able to slow the fire’s growth through the night and will spend today improving containment lines and seeking out hotspots.
